Committee approves multiple maintenance projects, authorizes water-cooler contract

Steuben County's Agriculture, Industry and Planning Committee approved several Buildings & Grounds maintenance and capital expenditures during its Aug. 5 meeting.

Eric Rose, Commissioner of Public Works, asked the committee to authorize a contract with Wilkins Ultra-Pure to service plumbed-in water coolers at county facilities. Rose described the pricing as "$28 per unit per month," which covers one filter, two cleanings per year and repairs as needed; he noted the rate has not increased in four years. The committee voted to authorize the commissioner to enter the contract 5-0.

Rose also requested and received authorization to use capital project accounts for a set of maintenance items: up to $26,550 to replace a failing section of roof at the Pro Action Building; up to $55,000 to replace flooring at the Hornell Community Services Building (Rose said much of the project will use luxury vinyl tile in high-traffic areas and standardized carpet elsewhere, and that a realistic cost estimate is closer to $45,000); and up to $50,000 from the "Pave Seal" capital account to repave the Veterans' parking lot, driveway and surrounding areas. Each motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Committee members did not set construction schedules at the meeting; Public Works staff will return with quotes and timing details as projects proceed.